Hydroponics 101: What You Need to Start Growing

Congratulations on deciding to try a hydroponic growing system! Now that you’ve made that big decision, you’re probably wondering what you need to do next.

Your best bet is to take a quick glance at the options available in hydroponic systems. Before you do that, it can be a big help to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts and terms around hydroponic gardening.

This quick guide aims to give you a basic understanding of those hydroponic terms and concepts.

The Top Options for Hydroponic Systems

Hydroponic equipment dealers offer a variety of pre-built systems for your grow. It’s up to you to see what’s best for you, but be sure to consider the size, maintenance requirements and crop output.

If you’re stepping into the world of hydroponics for the first time, buy a small system to test out the concept and get used to what you can expect from it.

Drip – As you can guess from the name, drip systems deliver nutrient water solution slowly into the plant medium. It ensures the medium stays moist while growing.

Ebb and Flow – When most people think of hydroponic systems, ebb and flow systems are usually it. Plants grow in water-absorbing rockwool, which is periodically flooded with water.

Nutrient Flow Technique – Often used by commercial growers, the NFT systems circulate a light film of water around the plant’s roots. This is used without a growing medium.

Reservoir – This is the easiest system to maintain. Your plant container, which holds your growing media and the plant itself, is partially submerged in a reservoir tank filled with a nutrient solution that’s circulated with a small pump.

Wick – Another simple system, the wick operates much like the reservoir system except a knotted nylon rope draws water up to your plant container.

Also, if you’re the handy sort, consider building your own system! Look for construction guides online and in books.

Hydroponic Mediums

That being said, some plants don’t require a growing medium because they have shallow root systems. Likewise, some hydroponic systems don’t use a growing medium because they aerate the nutrient water sufficiently, thereby keeping the roots from drowning.

Perlite – This mined material forms when volcanic glass is rapidly heated. With that heat, the perlite opens up gaps for water storage.

Rockwool – This sterile medium is a basalt rock that’s been transformed into a cotton candy-like substance. These gaps can be used to hold water and air.

Sand – Inexpensive, sand is a good hydroponic medium because of its natural capillary action. This permits the even distribution of water and nutrients through the root system.

Vermiculite – These superheated rock nuggets can triple their weight when exposed to water, meaning they are a perfect addition to a hydroponic system.

Basic Tools for Hydroponics

Nearly every hydroponic system shares common equipment requirements. If these aren’t included in your kit purchase, expect to pick them up.

Aquarium heater – If you’re growing all year long, which you can do with a hydroponic system, you will need some sort of water heater during the colder months. If your plants get chilled they may go dormant.

Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions – Your nutrient solution is built by applying a variety of hydroponic fertilizers to your water reservoir. Your plants will need different fertilizers for each of their growth stages.